How could you tell if your dog might potentially have diabetes? As the majority of cases go, it is not very common for younger dogs to acquire diabetes, but if your pet is older than four years old and is showing other symptoms, then the possibility for diabetes could be a real one. Diabetes in dogs is much more prevalent in females. Many of a dog's symptoms are close to those of diabetes in humans.
Symptoms for Dogs that have Diabetes
* Canine diabetes can begin with an out of shape, overweight dog. This is not always true though; in some breeds it can be in the gene pool. Being obese can be a dangerous sign though. * Diabetes typically happens in dogs around the ages of 7 to 9. * With larger dogs there is more of a possibility to contract diabetes than there is with a littler breed. * Watch for unquenchable thirst. If this happens, do not try to limit your dog's water intake. This is important because your dog will require all the water it wants to help keep from having dehydration issues. * Drinking so much means he/she will need to use the bathroom more. Your dog, the one you're so proud of how house trained they are, could start having accidents more often on your carpet. Why? They are not used to transporting so much water in their bladder. Much like the chicken and the egg, and the debate of which arrived first, the need for water or the need to urinate has been debated both ways. * Your dog may begin losing weight quickly and abnormally, even though she is eating more and could begin moving slowly and showing signs of being worn out, acting very fatigued. * Your dog may start losing their eyesight, having issues with vision.
How you can help prevent it:
1. If you notice your dog starting to put on weight, or if they are already overweight, reduce the number of carbohydrates they take in. Yes, much like humans, a large number of carbohydrates contribute to weight gain, which adds to the probability of diabetes. Many common dog foods have ingredients that contain as much as 98% carbohydrates. Read the food labels and learn as much information as you can about your dog breed to make sure that he is in receipt of the correct amount of nutrients. Making the change to a healthier dog food can be an huge step in the right direction.
2. Get plenty of exercise! A lot of dogs get diabetes that could be completely avoided if they had kept exercising and not gotten out of shape. This is where you and your family can pitch in, as the dog owners. If your dog stays lazy and out of shape, he can contract diabetes even if he is not a breed that is typically at risk.
At the time of this article there is not a cure for diabetes. By regularly visiting your vet to make sure that your dog gets the best treatment and the right medication, he will continue to have a healthy life. Many times diabetes will stay all the way throughout your dog's life course. To prevent diabetes in dogs, do your best to keep your dog's weight down, get him plenty of exercise, and give your dog its medication on a regular schedule along with enough water.
Symptoms for Dogs that have Diabetes
* Canine diabetes can begin with an out of shape, overweight dog. This is not always true though; in some breeds it can be in the gene pool. Being obese can be a dangerous sign though. * Diabetes typically happens in dogs around the ages of 7 to 9. * With larger dogs there is more of a possibility to contract diabetes than there is with a littler breed. * Watch for unquenchable thirst. If this happens, do not try to limit your dog's water intake. This is important because your dog will require all the water it wants to help keep from having dehydration issues. * Drinking so much means he/she will need to use the bathroom more. Your dog, the one you're so proud of how house trained they are, could start having accidents more often on your carpet. Why? They are not used to transporting so much water in their bladder. Much like the chicken and the egg, and the debate of which arrived first, the need for water or the need to urinate has been debated both ways. * Your dog may begin losing weight quickly and abnormally, even though she is eating more and could begin moving slowly and showing signs of being worn out, acting very fatigued. * Your dog may start losing their eyesight, having issues with vision.
How you can help prevent it:
1. If you notice your dog starting to put on weight, or if they are already overweight, reduce the number of carbohydrates they take in. Yes, much like humans, a large number of carbohydrates contribute to weight gain, which adds to the probability of diabetes. Many common dog foods have ingredients that contain as much as 98% carbohydrates. Read the food labels and learn as much information as you can about your dog breed to make sure that he is in receipt of the correct amount of nutrients. Making the change to a healthier dog food can be an huge step in the right direction.
2. Get plenty of exercise! A lot of dogs get diabetes that could be completely avoided if they had kept exercising and not gotten out of shape. This is where you and your family can pitch in, as the dog owners. If your dog stays lazy and out of shape, he can contract diabetes even if he is not a breed that is typically at risk.
At the time of this article there is not a cure for diabetes. By regularly visiting your vet to make sure that your dog gets the best treatment and the right medication, he will continue to have a healthy life. Many times diabetes will stay all the way throughout your dog's life course. To prevent diabetes in dogs, do your best to keep your dog's weight down, get him plenty of exercise, and give your dog its medication on a regular schedule along with enough water.
About the Author:
Does your family want a a healthier dog? Have you ever thought about diabetes in dogs?. Unique version for reprint here: Diagnosing Dog Diabetes.